The frigid temperatures are here! Each year there are millions of broken water pipes recorded in the United States alone, and the damage ranks second the hurricanes as the most costly of housing damages. While the threat is significant, there are ways to combat this potential peril by preparing yourself and your home for the winter weather.
Here are some tips on how to best position yourself to avoid a busted or frozen water pipe, and some advice on what to do should you find yourself in the situation of having a broken water pipe:
Before below freezing weather
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before putting them in storage
- Place a foam cover over the faucet, turn off their supply valve, and leave the faucet to open position
- Insulate water pipes with pipe sleeves, heat tape or heat cable, particularly pipes that run through unheated areas of the house, such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages
During freezing weather
- Keep your house warm, and allow the warm air to circulate as much as possible. Seal drafts and keep interior doors open
- Do not turn off the heat if you will be away overnight
- Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks, allowing indoor heat to reach the pipes. (be conscientious to keep chemicals out of reach from children and pets)
- Open indoor faucets and allow a trickle of water
If a pipe freezes
- Determine the location of the freeze
- If the problem is widespread, turn off the main water and call a plumber
- If it’s a single pipe, and you can reach the frozen section, try using a hair dryer, heating pad, or portable space heater (under close supervision). Keep the faucet open and work up and down the pipe, starting at the faucet and working backward to the frozen section. Apply heat until full water pressure returns and reduce the flow to a trickle until the stream is back to normal
If a pipe breaks
- Turn off your water main IMMEDIATELY
If your electricity has been in contact with the water, turn off the affected breakers
Your safety is your first priority, so ensure that you, your family, and your pets are safe - If you can safely remove valuables from potential damage, and then proceed to extract as much water as possible
- If the water damage is significant, contact your insurance agent, a water damage restoration company, and a plumber as soon as possible
For more information on how to prepare your home for winter, contact Weathervane Insurance Solutions in Bloomington, Indiana at 812-269-8621.
Skip Daley - Weathervane Insurance 